Japan announced a 26-player roster on Friday for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [1, 2, 3].
The selection marks a critical transition for the Samurai Blue, balancing the experience of veteran leaders with a new generation of talent to compete on the global stage.
Among the selections is 39-year-old defender Yuto Nagatomo [3]. The inclusion marks the fifth time Nagatomo has been selected for a World Cup squad [4]. Nagatomo said, "5大会連続でW杯メンバー選出！" (Selected for the World Cup for five consecutive tournaments!)
Coach Hajime Moriyasu said the roster was built around current performance and physical condition. Moriyasu said, "今のベストメンバーだと思います" (I think this is the best member list right now) [1].
The squad features a wide age gap to provide depth, ranging from 20-year-old Keisuke Goto to the 39-year-old Nagatomo [3]. This diversity in age is intended to provide both tactical stability and energetic support during the tournament.
Not everyone expected to play will be traveling. Midfielder Kaoru Mitsuma of Brighton was omitted from the final list due to a thigh injury [1, 2].
The tournament is scheduled to open on June 11, 2026, local time [1]. For viewers in Japan, the opening matches will begin on June 12, 2026 [5].
“I think this is the best member list right now”
The inclusion of Nagatomo at 39 suggests that Japan is prioritizing veteran leadership and mental fortitude over pure youth. By pairing the oldest and youngest players in the squad, Moriyasu is attempting to bridge a generational gap to ensure the team remains resilient during the high-pressure environment of a North American tournament.
